How to Practice Qigong: The Basics and Principles

Table of Contents
1. What is Qigong: A Brief History of Qigong
2. Learning Qigong from Chinese Medicine Classics
3. Qigong and the Yinyang Theory: How Qigong Works in Terms of Chinese Medicine
4. A Mind-Body and Preventive Medicine: Qigong for Healthier Organs
5. Scientific Mechanisms of Qigong: Effects on the Brain and Other Organs
6. When to Practice Qigong: How to Find the Best Time
7. How to Prepare for Qigong Practice: Things to Notice
8. How to Regulate the Body in Qigong Practice: The Standing Postures
9. How to Regulate the Breath in Qigong Practice: The Magic Powers
10. How to Train the Mind in Qigong Practice: The Restoration of Harmony
11. Principles of Qigong Practice: Activities and Tranquilization
12. How to Practice Qigong Well: The Importance of Training and Cultivation

Excerpts:
“During the earliest time of Chinese history, people already knew that exercises such as dancing could strengthen health. …As early as during the Zhou Dynasty (11th century B.C. – 771 B.C.), there were already records on qigong practice. These records were engraved on ancient bronze materials.…”
“Doctors throughout the history of traditional Chinese medicine have contributed greatly to the development of qigong…. These valuable descriptions provide both instructions and experiences on how to practice qigong well. In the earliest traditional Chinese medicine classic The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic, qigong principles, training methods, and effects were explained systematically.… A well-known physician in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Dr. Hong Ge, pointed out in his classical book Baopu Zi’s Inner Treatise that there are a variety of methods in practicing qigong, … In the Ming Dynasty, the famous physician and pharmacist Shizhen Li (1518-1593) recorded in his A Study on the Eight Extra Channels, …”
“The integration of the three parts can help achieve the holistic and harmonious state of the body…. Qigong practice is based on the yinyang theory of Chinese medicine…. The qigong training should be varied in accordance with such seasonal changes of yin and yang….”
“Qigong can help one achieve better health through improving functions of internal organs. Through concentration of the mind and regulating mental activities, qigong can improve the health of the heart-qi ….”
“Recent scientific studies have also demonstrated that qigong can benefit different organs in the human body…. It can help one keep energetic with a more stable emotion…. Qigong can lower the blood pressure in hypertension patients….”
“For achieving the harmony between yin and yang, and between the human body and nature, when to practice qigong is important. Practicing qigong at the right time can help improve the training quality…. Some people can practice qigong during six-yang-times….”
“To get good effects from practicing qigong, the training should be done constantly and step-by-step. Here are some guidelines to be followed before, during, and after practicing qigong to accomplish good results….”
“Right postures are necessary for smooth breathing, mental relaxation, and tranquilization of the mind.… Commonly used postures include sitting, lying, standing, and walking….”
“Breathing exercise can help improve the emotion and relieve physical pain. It can promote the healing process and help prevent diseases…”
“To practice qigong well, appropriate training duration and degrees are important. According to some qigong classics, qigong training is somewhat similar to the forming of fire….”